A habit that changed the world

Many people don't even think about how the habit of chewing gum has become an everyday part of our lives. According to studies, about 80% of teenagers and young adults regularly use chewing gum. This phenomenon has spread so widely that vigorous jaw movements in public places no longer surprise anyone. Some people associate gum with fresh breath, others with the possibility of temporarily replacing a toothbrush. However, few people think about the origin of this product and its possible consequences.

Prototypes of chewing gum existed in ancient times. The Mayans chewed rubber extracted from tree sap to freshen their breath, and the Greeks favored the resin of the mastic tree. Gradually other civilizations adapted beeswax and resins of various plants for this purpose. But mass production of “gum” began only in the XIX century, when the American Thomas Adams was inspired by the habit of Mexican General Antonio Lopez Santa Anna constantly chewing rubber. Adams refined the idea by adding flavorings and created the first industrial batch of chewing gum.

Modern chewing gum has a complex chemical composition. It is based on synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene or isoprene rubber, because natural rubber is too expensive and limited in supply. Sugar or substitutes are added to improve flavor, and calcium and fluoride are added to protect tooth enamel. A variety of dyes and flavorings complete the process, turning the product into our familiar chewing gum.

The benefits of this product are multifaceted. First, chewing gum helps to partially clean teeth from food residues, and the components contained in it, such as urea, neutralize acid, protecting tooth enamel. Secondly, chewing stimulates the production of gastric juice, which aids digestion. Xylitol and sorbitol, used as sugar substitutes, inhibit bacterial growth in the mouth.

However, excessive consumption can have unpleasant consequences. For example, chewing on an empty stomach leads to the release of gastric juice that irritates the mucous membrane. In people with gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, this can cause an exacerbation. Another risk is phenylalanine, a component of many gummies, which can disrupt the hormonal balance and negatively affect the nervous system, especially in children and pregnant women.

Equally important are the mechanical effects of chewing: destruction of fillings, excessive development of chewing muscles and even swallowing air, which can cause discomfort in the stomach. And accidental swallowing of gum threatens serious problems, up to bowel obstruction. Individual intolerance to components, such as flavorings or sugar substitutes, can also cause allergies or GI disorders.

Chewing gum is a product that, when used in moderation and correctly, can be beneficial. However, it is also worth remembering the aesthetic aspect: the sight of a chewing person does not always leave a pleasant impression. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance so that the habit brings only positive emotions.